Eva Mendes choke-collars her giant puppy: inappropriate or understandable?

Here are some new photos of Eva Mendes and her GIANT DOG, shopping in LA yesterday with the help of Eva’s stylist, Rachel Zoe. First of all, I forgot that Zoe was Eva’s stylist. That’s… odd. Zoe’s clients include Cameron Diaz, Kate Hudson, Anne Hathaway and Jennifer Garner. I guess Eva Mendes would be at that kind of level of “fashion girl” but it still seems kind of weird to me. Two, we really need to talk about Eva’s dog.

I really didn’t know Eva had a big dog. I thought Eva merely looked after Ryan Gosling’s Mohawked puppy George when Ryan was away. I’m sure Mendes-Gosling know-it-alls will yell at me and tell me OF COURSE Eva has always had a giant dog, but I seriously didn’t know. As for the dog – he’s awesome. I love big dogs, probably because I’ve always been a dog-mom to a big dogs. My monster is bigger than this puppy, but not by much. I like when a woman has a big dog – a big dog makes you feel safe, he’ll make you feel like at least someone has got your back.

But I’m bothered by the fact that Eva didn’t seem to bring a leash for her big dog…? She seems to be pulling on his collar (kind of choking him) for the short walk from a building to the car. I know that stance very well – the dog is strong enough to rip her arm off, so she’s doing a preemptive “You better behave” choke-hold on her dog – which is good for the paparazzi, because the dog could conceivably go buck-wild on them. I’ll admit, I’ve done this before, mostly when my dog was misbehaving and I was leading him into the house (where he would get a thump on the snout and a “BAD. DOG.”). But if Eva brought her puppy out into the world, into an office building or store or something…? Why not just bring his leash, you know?

Photos courtesy of WENN, Pacific Coast News.

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155 Responses to “Eva Mendes choke-collars her giant puppy: inappropriate or understandable?”

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  1. Katren says:

    I think it’s better to do this that whack your dogs snout! Yikes.

    • Lol says:

      Im sure Kaiser doesnt whack her dog i imagine a tap on the nose is just that, not a full on dog beating.

    • skuddles says:

      I have, on occasion, given a large, unruly dog a smack on the snout – not excessively hard by any means, I just let them know their behavior is unacceptable. A friend’s husky once kept jabbing me with her nose and trying repeatedly to jump up on me – each time she did that I blocked her with a little whack on the snout. It didn’t take long before she got the message and stopped the behavior. Any time I saw her after that she was a nice, respectful girl…in fact, she was better behaved for me than her own owner.

      • Katyusha says:

        The “thump on the snout” is not looked down upon because you’re “beating” the dog, it’s looked down upon because dog’s noses are extremely, really sensitive.

        If a dog is “thumped” anywhere, it should be on the behind.

      • Jinx says:

        agree with katyusha, maybe someone should just smack a person in the nose to see if it’s nice enough.

      • skuddles says:

        It’s not about being nice, it’s about getting a large, possibly dangerous animal to respect your space. This particular dog was a bit of a loose cannon and later had to be turned into a sled dog as it could not be trusted with people or other pets. My intention was not to hurt the dog, only to cause it enough discomfort to make it back off. Kind of hard to smack a dog’s rump when it has its face shoved right in your face. I love animals dearly and generally treat them with much kindness and respect but I will not tolerate a big dog running amok on my person and that’s that.

  2. Erinn says:

    We use a haltee on our 87 pound lapdog. At the groomers they asked if she was part Newfoundland, but she’s just a giant lab/shepherd/golden retriever mix. A haltee is absolutely needed with her. She get’s far too excited and I just don’t have the strength to hold her back with just a leash and collar.

    I always want a big dog. My boyfriends family has a dog that weighs as much as my cat… I just don’t get the appeal.

    EDIT: While I don’t use choke collars, there are worse things that she could be doing I suppose. That dog isn’t abused… it looks beautifully taken care of. I know people are going to be jumping all over this though. It didn’t even look like a choke collar to me… just a metal color that we can’t even really see.

    • Vesper says:

      Why use a choke collar when a haltie is just as effective? According to my vet, choke collars can cause internal damage.

  3. brin says:

    Inappropriate. Why does she have to take the dog when she’s shopping anyway?

    • Carolin says:

      +1 > for pap purposes perhaps?

    • idk says:

      Are dogs allowed in stores? Not everyone is a dog lover, and in that case, how can they stop people from bringing other pets into stores, like their pet python or something lol.

      Also, THAT’S a puppy ??? I know nothing about dogs, so how big is that dog gonna get when it gets older? Yikes !

      • EmmaStoneWannabe says:

        Yeah, Ive seen dogs in Bloomingdale’s in NYC. It’s apparently a “thing.” Of course lol

      • ol cranky says:

        my trainer has a mali puppy and he’s a good 60 pounds of very lean muscle at 7 months old and looks like he needs to gain some weight

    • Elizabeth says:

      ITA. Take a purse puppy shopping maybe. But a dog that big would be happier at home. Total “look at me” move for the paps. Didn’t she used to have an acting career or something?

      • Vesper says:

        Dogs are very social and love to be around people. Sitting at home alone, unless there is another companion (dog, cat, bird) is not best for dogs. Vet and trainers recommended that dogs, particularly puppies, be exposed to as many situations as possible. Helps socialize them and keep them stimulated mentally and physically.

        The choke collar is not necessary especially on a puppy. Every dog needs to be trained how to walk with a leash without using a choke collar. There are various alternatives that are more humane and a haltie is one.

    • Miss Piggy says:

      You know, I have to applaud her taking her big dog around. I live in CA. I am so sick of seeing little dogs in the lap of a someone driving down the road/freeway. I am so sick of little yappy dogs being allowed in stores, but bigger dogs are verboten. She should have a leash or something on her dog though for the dog’s safety if nothing else. Not to mention when a bigger dog lunges it’s way more powerful than a yappy dog.

  4. Jessica says:

    Makes no sense not to have a leash? IDGI.

  5. grace says:

    She uses one of those electric shock collars too.

    • Amelia says:

      Ew, that’s horrible. I’ve got two very large GSD’s and a malamute husky back home and in my experience those kind of measures simply aren’t needed if you train and treat your dog properly. I use harnesses on windy days because they get uber excited when it’s windy for whatever reason and the husky is actually heavier than me, but I’ve never needed to use an electric shock collar. Personally I think it’s very harsh and I wouldn’t ever want my dog to associate me with pain.
      I actually misread the title initially though, I thought she was using a choke-chain thing that tightens when you pull it.
      I don’t think keeping hold of the dog’s collar is too much to shout about, though. I’ve done it when I get the dogs out of the car to go to the beach. So long as it’s only very brief.

      • Leigh_S says:

        She should definitely have a leash, but I wonder if the dog was being reactive in some way so that she has the leash folded into her hand and is holdign the collar. I’ve had to do that when my dog has become ridiculously over-stimulated.

        (On second look, I think she has a remote training collar on him. That looks like the remote in her right hand. Its an odd choice for a herding breed, usually they are pretty good with the developing the skillset for off leash control without remote training. hmmm)

        Every training tool can be used incorrectly, even (and most frequently) a flat collar.

        It all depends on your dogs instinctive drive type really. There’s a reason that electric collars were developed for hunting dogs/breeds. They are outwardly focused and when they have locked onto their prey, there is no higher value reward you can distract with. The settings are intended to be set to distract or break the focus but not cause pain. (kind of like someone poking you in the ribs to get your attention)

        You have dogs that are primarily herding & running instinct, typically inappropriate for the tool.

      • TheOriginalKitten says:

        Amelia-you have a Malamute Husky??? So jealous. Those are #2 of my top 5 favorite dogs!
        In order (not that anybody cares):

        1. Golden Retriever (I know they’re overrated but I just love them so much)
        2. Husky
        3. Bernese Mountain Dog
        4. Lab (any color)
        5. German Shepherd

        I love Australian Shepherds too but I find them sort of stand-offish. They’re so cute though!
        I would also be very happy with a cute mutt like Lucky from Felicity 🙂

        http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m77o2uldUF1qa66w2o1_1280.jpg

      • PrettyTarheel says:

        @TheOriginalKitten:
        I don’t think most Aussies are standoffish. I’ve had 3-they are the only breed of dog I’ve ever had as my *own* and not just a family pet with my parents, and I keep going back because they are so loyal and loving. My current Aussie, Dapper Dan, is extremely affectionate and used to be playful when he was younger (he’s 12), as were my first two. Aussies can struggle with behavior if they aren’t kept active-they can get sulky or hyperactive. They are meant to be herding dogs with goals to accomplish, and if you have one that is just laying around the house all day, it can become a challenge to get proper behavior. We’ve been working with Dan on understanding that BabyTarheel ranks above him in the pack hierarchy-it’s still a work in progress. He doesn’t question MrTarheel or I, but BabyT is a primo candidate for possessive behaviors that are an indicator of a misunderstanding of his place within the pack. He just thinks someone finally showed up that he can boss.

        Point being…Aussies are the bomb, but require a lot of interaction and reminders about who’s running the show to truly be happy in their role as a pet instead of a traditional herding dog.

      • Amelia says:

        We care Kitten! That’s an awesome top five, I love a good retriever too. They can be soppy sometimes, but you know they’re always good for a hug. LOVE Bernese Mountain Dogs too 🙂

      • TheOriginalKitten says:

        Thanks, Amelia! I put a lot of thought into my Top Dogs list! 😀

        @PrettyTarHeel-interesting about your Aussie Shep. My ex had one and he was a nice dog but just never seemed to notice anyone except him. It was odd. I also think he raised his “questionably” as he was at work all day and the dog was left at home 🙁
        I have a friend from high school that has an Aussie Shep that is one of the most GORGEOUS dogs I’ve ever seen-you should see her eyes-they’re “husky blue”. I literally squee when she posts pictures of her.
        Does your Aussie Shep play frisbee? 😀

      • Marie Antoinette Jr. says:

        I have had golden retrievers all my life and trust me, they are not “overrated”, they are PERFECTION! 😉
        You just have to know how to train and groom them.

      • PrettyTarheel says:

        @TheOriginalKitten-
        Absolutely-leaving an young Aussie in a home all day while someone is at work could impact his behavior. When my Aussie was young I was in college and had a roomate or parents around, so Dan was never left to his own devices-he played on the farm or with other pups every day. Then I worked from home several days a week so he still had people around. This is the first year since I got him as a rescue that I’ve had to go to work on a set schedule. Fortunately, he’s older and less active now.

        He’s not a Frisbee dog these days, but when he was younger, he would definitely play. My second Aussie was crazy for any game-ball, frisbee, chase, you name it. I would have loved to do obstacle course training with either one of them-they both had the athleticism and the brains for it.

      • amurph says:

        @PrettyTarheel and @TheOriginalKitten:

        I have a gorgeous Aussie (my first after having German Shepherds and a Bichon) and she is probably a little atypical for the breed. She’s lazy as lazy can be with random spurts of energy – I call her the sprinter because she likes to sprint but hates longer amounts of play. She hates the frisbee though. She’ll watch it fly and then give me the look of, “What? You threw it, you get it”. She will however play football and soccer, if you enjoy getting taken out at the knees by a 60 lb bear.

        I can understand the standoffish vibe from them. My dog tends to be very social or at least friendly (if it’s a guy, she will sit by their side and flirt – it’s ridiculous) but the second I move, she will immediately ignore everyone else until she determines I’m settled and “okay”. It’s her herding instinct combined with her attachment to me as hers. She won’t even let me shower without camping out in the bathroom.

    • Vesper says:

      She really is an idiot. Trainers tend to focus on positive reinforcement. Maybe she should pick up a book and spend 30 minutes reading about the correct way to handle a dog.

      • Catlady says:

        I agree, as should the asswipe that wrote the article. Hitting your dog in the face is not an appropriate way to treat them. Seeming to be proud of it in public is disturbing.

  6. TheOriginalKitten says:

    I’m a cat mom so I know not much about whether this is inappropriate dog-parenting but I’m just here say that those sunglasses have GOT to go. I kind of like her hairstyle with the scarf wrapped around it though.

    Also, this dog is awesome. Is it a German Shepherd or too small to be one?

    • IrishEyes says:

      Eh, it depends on the shepherd honestly. I’ve met shepherds that are tiny compared to others (i.e. my parents have a 90 lb. female- she is tall and lean- but I’ve met some smaller). It could also be a mix; I don’t know a lot about her.

    • all_in_all_good says:

      it’s a Belgian shepherd, they are 1 colored opposed to German shepherd who has a 2 colored coat

      • TheOriginalKitten says:

        Ohhh …so wild how many varieties of dog breeds exist.
        Growing up my aunt had a dog named Heidi that I adored-always thought she was a German Shepherd but later learned that she was a different kind of Shepherd because she had long hair, which is weird because why couldn’t she just be a long-haired German Shepherd? O_o

      • Kolby says:

        Belgian Malois. They are gorgeous, much sleeker than German Shepherds.

      • Mimi says:

        Belgian Malinois. They are known to be quite headstrong and have the potential to be aggressive. If I were to take one in public, it would be on a pinch collar and possibly muzzled, and only after it had had intensive obedience schooling. I’m not be all BSL either; I’ve got a Boerboel so I’m familiar with the responsibility of owning a large and headstrong dog.

      • Kloops says:

        Looks like a Belgian Malinois to me too. I had a half breed BM and he was lovely and so loyal and decvoted to me but a potential risk for anyone who got between us. I adored him but it’s not a breed I’d get again.

      • ol cranky says:

        I love Mali’s, they are gorgeous but they are also very high energy and not for the novice dog owner.

        I work closely with a trainer for my two dogs. My staffy mix has a collar like this (that she friggen loves) and, while we’re tightening up some issues, she has a tab lead attached to it or an urban lead when we’re walking in the city (she never wears the collar unattended). I would never use this type of collar for my other dog as she’s very sensitive/timid and needs much more gentle correction.

        My concern with how she’s handling her dog in these pictures is that it looks like she’s holding on directly to the collar as opposed to using either a tab lead or an urban lead. Considering she has him walking on the sidewalk, even if she is just taking him to a car, she really should be using an urban lead which is more appropriate for walking a dog in that situation.

    • Genevieve says:

      @ OKitten:….Belgian Malinois.

      They’ve pretty much taken over as K-9 dogs, whereas German Shepherds used to be the standard. Malinois are a little edgier and more aggressive than Shepherds. Most GSD are just big loyal, sweet babies if properly trained. As far as Eva goes…

      INAPPROPRIATE!! Totally dangerous to the dog in two ways: the torquing of the cervical spine and windpipe, and the mere fact that her dog could escape with a hard twist of the neck. Running into traffic, getting hit by a car or lost, etc. are all possible outcomes of such stupidity. Use a damned leash! Those pictures really make me angry for the poor dog’s sake.

      LOVED your pics! I am still laughing about the “CBer’s are all trolls” concept, lol. NOT!! 😉

      • TheOriginalKitten says:

        Gen-that’s one thing I was wondering too-I always get so nervous when I see unleashed dogs because what if they got excited and ran out into the road or (less likely I know) hurt somebody?

        I know, Gen, you are gorge! The craziest are Mort’s pics I think mainly because she’s a funeral director and I just don’t usually associate funeral director with “supermodel”. Just unexpected that she’s so beautiful but I’m so happy to see all you guys! It really is awesome to have a face to associate with the C/B commentary and SO fun to see everyone’s families & pets! 🙂

      • Vesper says:

        @ Genevieve:

        +1.

    • Ruffian9 says:

      Looks like a Belgian Malinois. Excellent police dog, a bit too ‘on’ for most people as a casual pet. Maybe it’s her bodyguard?

      ETA: A bunch of you beat me to it.

      I’m not crazy about the way she’s handling that dog.

  7. DEB says:

    Inappropriate.

    • Liv says:

      Agreed! Why using a electric shock collar in the city? A electric shock collar is for dogs who exactly know that you can’t reach them when they are too far away – they are not for dogs who are uneducated!! Just do the work and educate your dog! Walking aroung with a electric shock collar in the city, I can’t believe it! Get a fucking leash!

  8. isabelle says:

    What’s more interesting to me is all those weird folks with cameras in the background of the last photo. Maybe I’m an alien, but is that normal??!?

  9. Jacq says:

    I don’t understand shopping with such a large dog. One you can keep in your purse maybe. My lab’s tail would be knocking stuff over left and right. There are collars that have handles that extend from them, but I can’t tell if this is one (or a pinch-collar or anything).

  10. Lilo says:

    I guess the dog is usually well behaved and can run around without a leash, but with the photographers all around i think she thought it might be best to hold it at the collar. Maybe the dog would get protective of her and bite on of the paps, and that would inevitably result in a big fat lawsuit. maybe the dog would get really scared and bite someone else. the paps don’t usually understand about dogs and their comfort-zones, which when breeched can cause mayhem. the paps don’t even care about crying children, hiding behind their parents, the paps crowd them and scare them. so why would they behave differently when it comes to a dog? i think eva ist just protecting the dog as well as the paps (as more dog-owners should do, btw.)

    and a tight grip on the collar like that does not choke a dog , it is uncomfortable at most. if she grabs him and puts him in the car, the dog will probably not suffer too much, but yeah, a short leash to controll him would have been much better.

    i don think the dog is that huge. it’s just not the mini-breeds you see most celebrities with.

  11. Sisi says:

    She’s holding him like a handbag, very strange

  12. marie says:

    beautiful dog, but no, she should have left him at home.

  13. ORLY says:

    These pictures piss me off. I never cared for Mendes one way or another, but she should have put the dogs on a leash. he/she looks sad in that last pic and it makes me hate Eva just a little.
    Then again, I prefer dogs to most people anyway, so there’s that.

    • Liv says:

      There are so many pictures of her in which it’s obvious that she has no feelings for dogs. She doesn’t even interact with her dog. I don’t know why she has to have one.

      • Vesper says:

        I googled pics of Eva and her dog and there are pics where she is affectionate with the dog.

        I posted some on #37. In one of them the dog is licking her face, in another she is using her mouth to either give the dog a treat or play tug of war. In most of the pics the dog looks happy and relaxed.

      • Liv says:

        This pic where she has something in her mouth – do you really think her dog looks happy there? I think he looks afraid. He seems to be a insecure dog, because there are many photos in which he seems to be afraid. Those dogs are, when not given confidence, the most difficult dogs, especially for people without knowledge.

        This dog probably needs structure, rules and the sense that she’s the leader – otherwise he will start to follow his own rules and that’s probably why she uses a shock collar.

        Of course it’s hard to say something based on pictures…but I think something’s off between them, they don’t have a healthy, trustful relationship 😉

    • PrettyTarheel says:

      I’m sorry, but I must disagree. That dog does not look sad. He looks alert and excited. Ears pitched forward, head angled forward… Not sad body language.

      • ORLY says:

        Nope, not in the 3rd pic.
        Yes he’s alert, his ears and tail are up, but how could he not be with people and paps taking pictures and likely yelling. His face though, his face looks safe to me. Look at his eyes.

      • Vesper says:

        Alert ears on their own is not useful in determining whether a dog is happy. Happy dogs have loose lips, open mouths, loose or flappy tongues, a relaxed, loose body, and a soft eye. They look happy.

        This dog does not.

  14. Cam S says:

    If you can’t handle your dog on a leash then it doesn’t need to be walked in public. End of. We only use harnesses.

    My husband has two big dogs, and I have a small one (just got married, so we are a blended dog family), and I MADE him get a harness for his German Shepard. He complained and said, “I won’t be able to control his head, he gets too excited!” I said “Then he doesn’t need to go for walks in public places til you train him”. Period. Although I do agree with the poster above that mentioned the paps.
    I guess as long as she isn’t walking long distances with the baby like that, then it is ok.

    Sorry, I am very passionate about animal (and children’s) rights. They have no voice, no one to stand up for them

    • Erinn says:

      Get one of these: http://www.amazon.com/HALTI-Black-Headcollar-Dogs-Size/dp/B0000WSTYW

      They can control the dog a lot better. We use one for our dog… they won’t pull because it’s attached to its face. Put it on my dog, and she doesn’t even try to because it guides her gently.

      • Original N says:

        ^^ This. We use one on our monstrous chocolate lab and it works beautifully. It pulls down on the bridge of his nose when he pulls on it; our trainer recommended it because it reprimands the dog like its mother would. We couldn’t control him with a harness at all.

        With regard to Mendes, who knows? We treat our dogs like human children but we have one that came to us from a kill shelter via the weim rescue and he is impossible to control on a leash despite the countless hours of training and us being trained by the trainer. He came to us late, and we’ve had a lot to overcome from the lack of training he had early in his life. Do any of us know where her dog came from or its history? If not, I suggest we do not judge. That dog looks beautifully taken care of and it could very well be that, as the breed is known for, he/she is protective of her when around strangers so she keeps him close to her when she recognizes the dog could perceive as a threat to her.

        That all said, we don’t take any of our labs or weims shopping with us!

      • Cam S says:

        @ Erin:
        Will that hurt him though? He is kinda big and dumb. I wouldn’t want it hurting his jaw or teeth? I’ve seen people at the park with these and figured it was a muzzle to keep them from biting?

      • Erinn says:

        @Cam S
        My dogs about 87 pounds. She’s a mix between a ginormous chocolate lab, and a Golden Retriever x German Shepherd. She’s a big girl as you can see: http://tinyurl.com/8razyva We use it on her. She’s kind of big and dumb too. She’s never been hurt. It’s a gradual tightening, and it’s nylon. She mostly just tries to take it off with her paws if we haven’t used it on her, but after a few minutes she’s always walking fine again. You could probably get one somewhere, and try it out, and if you don’t like it bring it back. Even just try it in the house.

        It’ll be a bit of a process to get used to, but they work wonders. My cousins an animal wellfare major, and she uses them on her dogs.

      • ol cranky says:

        haltis & gentle leaders work for some dogs but many dogs hate them. My staffy mix is a prime example, she’s great on lead without them but she became leash reactive after my other dog died so my trainer and I tried this and the poor thing was miserable (we introduced it correctly, it was fitted appropriately, I think she could just see a bit of it and it drove her nuts). There are lots of different methods and tools; they don’t all work for all dogs and some dogs respond well to the prong collars (in the right hands) whereas other dogs would absolutely shut down if one was used.

    • Quinn says:

      All a harness does is give a dog something to pull against. It isn’t going to give you, or your husband, any control with a dog the size of a German Shepherd. Take a look at sled dogs – the harnesses they wear don’t stop them from pulling, that’s their form of “work clothes.” A little dog can’t out-muscle you in a harness, but a big dog and be quite a handful if they learn you have no real control against their pulling.

      A halti, or other brand of head collar won’t hurt your dog if fitted and used properly. Even a regular buckle collar can do damage if used improperly.

      If your husband will go for it, you might want to suggest that he take the dog to a group obedience class. If the dog is social he (the dog) will probably enjoy it and it helps to be able to work through training with others in a group – sharing the glitches and the breakthroughs and all.

      • Vesper says:

        Every book I’ve read, trainer or vet I’ve spoken to has recommended a (back) haltie with a large dog. If that haltie isn’t enough, a haltie headcollar should work.

        I walk three dogs at the same time. My largest is 90 lbs and all muscle. I am small boned and weigh 115 lbs. Even if my dog is pulling I can control it if the leash is around my wrist, not held by my fingers.

    • Karma says:

      Frankly, your husband is right about control of the head. We’ve always had large breed and powerful dogs (100-130 lbs) and there is no way I would’ve used a harness with them. Just like horses receive information on their necks you can convey a lot of information through proper leash and collar control.

      That your husband hasn’t put in the work about an excited dog in public is another matter but a harness is for small dogs who slip their collars while on a leash. Not for controlling large dogs.

      Like the other poster said, they harness sled dogs, in order to harness their full four-pawed power. You really are putting yourself at a disadvantage with such a system.

      Another fun fact. You can hold a man down on the ground with ONE finger on their forehead, so your husband is right about controlling the head, controls their power. Both physically and mentally.

    • Sara says:

      I actually agree with you. I started using harnesses after my first puppy tried to choke himself on his leash. I had to learn how to train a dog. Where I grew up it was standard to smack a dog that misbehaved. My dog is really well behaved and no one hits him. If he is really bad he gets a time out in his basket. But really that only happens when he won’t stop barking at the mailman 🙂

    • Vesper says:

      @ Cam S:

      “Sorry, I am very passionate about animal (and children’s) rights. They have no voice, no one to stand up for them”.

      + 100.

  15. Rux says:

    I have a 90 lb pitbull/labrador mix that is just shy of two years old. I exercise him a lot so he is so freaking strong that I did use a choke collar on him simply because he could have yanked my arm off. But at this point, he is so well trained that I walk him off leash without worrying. I think in Eva’s case she probably does the same however, given the paparazzi around and probably hounding her — no punt intended — she grabbed him as a precautionary method.

    I love big dogs. However, my mom has a shih tsu and I look at him and wonder if I could put him on a swiffer pad and sweep my floors — that is my only appeal to him.

  16. Eleonor says:

    I don’t know, I’ve always had dogs, even big ones, my last was a German Shepard (oooh I miss her so much), and sometimes I’ve done that too. It usually happened when we were exting from the vet: my dog used to try to run (like every dog I know they spend all the time in the vet trying to escape!) and I was scared she could end under a car, so I used to choke collar her. I don’t know, maybe the dog was overexited, and she feared it could run.

    • Liv says:

      Yeah, but in the pics she uses a electric shock collar, doesn’t she?

    • Marie Antoinette Jr. says:

      Eleonor, I completely agree with you. My thought also is that maybe she is having this dog professionally trained to be a personal guard dog–and part of his training is to go into as many situations with her as he can.
      Also, she may be holding him like that, (to make him seem capable of lunging and biting) in order to scare off the paps and therefore clear a path for herself. That’s what I would do if I were a celeb–travel with huge dogs that look menacing! It’s brilliant!

  17. IrishEyes says:

    It doesn’t bother me that much; I’ve been there with large dogs, and I wouldn’t want to take mine in that kind of a situation in public. I DO wonder why she had her dog with her in the first place (had she come from the vet?). Also, does LA have leash laws? I live in Oklahoma and God forbid my cocker spaniel isn’t leashed within an inch of his life (granted I’m paranoid so this isn’t a problem).

  18. Lindsey says:

    Faux controversy. Meh. She maybe for the leash, it’s happened to me before. My doggie is only 60 lbs, but I’ve forgotten the leash and more likely, he’s gotten out of the apartment and grabbing him by the collar is the only way to get him back inside obviously. Ever tried picking up a big, rambunctious dog?

    • dagsohyoumeandogs says:

      Agreed, it’s not impossible to forget a leash. Or have it break while you are already out (has happened to me).

  19. Adrien says:

    Nah! The dog’s alright. Maybe Eva has a hard time controlling the huge dog with a leash. Maybe it’s a new dog and it’s in training. At the end of the day, that dog will still have a better life than me.

  20. Brown says:

    That is not a choke collar. The term “choke collar” refers to collars that are chains and should be used as training tools only during leash training. They should be kept high on the neck, right under the jawline in order to prevent the dog from damaging their trachea when they pull and the chain tightens.

    Now, if you were referring to the fact that she is CHOKING her dog WITH his collar, then yes, that does seem to be what is happening here. And, like much of Eva Mendes, makes no sense to me.

    Why she would not have a leash for her dog when she is out and about, I do not know. Why she would bring her dog shopping with her without a leash, I do not know. Why she would wear such a hideous outfit in public, I do not know. This woman confuses me on a daily basis, today is no different.

  21. Sarah says:

    I’d give her the benefit of the doubt and think she’s keeping such a tight hold on the dog because of the mass of yelling people. If the dog was really upset it would be twisting away and trying to get free.

    • Rachel says:

      I also give her the benefit of the doubt. The paps get right in her face. A leash (which she could have in her purse or something anyway) will not give her the control over her dog that she would need if someone gets close. And if those paps get her dog worked up and he bites because they scare him or hurt him, he’s going to be the one to take the fall for it. So it’s safer for him that she have him under control at all times while she gets him to the car.

  22. Relli says:

    Oh I thought this story was going to be about her dog wearing a choke-collar but she is actually choking him by the collar. I was all ready to defend myself because my pup (Shepherd/Akita) has to wear one because he pulls to hard, hates the gentle leader as in will fall in a heap on the floor and cry if forced to wear one and the regular one chain collars i was afraid he was goign to break his trachea. I only hold my dog like this when answering the door so he doesn’t go full on kiss attack mode.

  23. Elizabeth says:

    I used a Halti for my very independent follow the nose 25 lbs. beagle. Got tired of my arm being pulled. Now I foster Jack Russell Terriers and use a harness. I am worried about pulling on their neck with a “normal” collar – it can damage their spine over time especially with a smaller dog.

  24. really says:

    I haven’t been too impressed with how she interacts with either dog.
    I know these are snapshots (as were the ones with Gosling’s dog), but she really seems to have no affection for these animals. This was particularly evident with George.

  25. RobN says:

    Why doesn’t she just bring a leash or leave the dog at home? Because she’s stupid, that’s why.

  26. sal says:

    she’s kind of insane when it comes to this dog. she supposedly got it for “protection” (get a bodyguard, moron) and has bragged in interviews about how well behaved and soldier-like he is. a DOG. ugh. she is the worst.

    • Mar1ey says:

      She has a stalker, what’s wrong with having a dog for protection? He gives her companionship and she feels safer.

      • sal says:

        using a shock collar on a dog is cruel. getting a dog as “protection” is medieval and stupid. get a BODYGUARD. don’t torture a dog to protect yourself.

      • dagsohyoumeandogs says:

        sal- using dogs for protection is the entire point of many breeds. Lots of people own dogs for an intended job (protection, herding, hunting, retrieval, etc). Don’t know anyone who chose a Malinois or Doberman because they wanted a lazy, lapdog-type buddy that they could take everywhere.

        but I agree that the shock collar is dumb and unnecessary.

  27. sarah says:

    This is such a non-story. I LOVE dogs. I have a 100 pounds Mastiff pup (yeah, pup) right now. I’ve had to grab him like that when he’s tried to take off. Nothing to see here folks. lol.

  28. Allison says:

    It looks as though the dog is wearing some sort of shock collar or “behavior modification” collar as Eva puts it. She has a controller in her hand and I’ve seen photos of her in the past with the same controller and the dog with the same collar (no leash).

  29. Jade says:

    She uses a shock collar instead of a leash. And she’s had trouble controlling the dog in public before. I lost all respect for her after I saw the pictures of the shock collar and the remote in her hand, and lost quite a bit for Gosling that he could be with someone who’d use something so cruel on an animal. Pictures here: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2160262/Eva-Mendes-keeps-guard-dog-Hugo-close-excitable-canine-need-Training-Day.html

    • verra says:

      I agree. She seems like such a cruel person. How could you treat an animal like that? That says a lot about Ryan too, and he actually leaves his dog in this woman’s care. Shows he doesn’t give a damn either. His speaking up for animal rights is a complete joke.
      He’s so fake it’s not even funny. Not a fan of either of them.

    • Cazzee says:

      Wow! Thanks for that article. Very informative about the dog and Eva Mendes’ character.

      A shock collar just seems cruel…why not use a leash? Is it too unsightly? Have leashes gone out of fashion? Is there a worldwide leash shortage that I know nothing about?

      —–
      What I am about to write is harsh, but then again this site is called Celebitchy. A few years ago I read an interview with Eva Mendes where she talked about growing up with a single mother, and how they didn’t have much money most of the time. I think Eva said that her mother used to bring her to work with her at her night job because she couldn’t afford child care. She grew up hard and has some issues about it in terms of wanting to rise above her background and be a success.

      So it is all the more unfortunate that she is acting like TRASH by treating her huge dog like it’s a warm-blooded accessory to be trained using pain. Your dog is not a new pair of sunglasses, it is a living being that has its own complex needs – and your need for attention is not a part of it.

      When it comes to the dog, Eva Mendes is acting like trailer trash.

      Yeah, I said it: she’s trash.

  30. Shannon says:

    She probably forgot it. I do that all the time. My dog is well-trained, so he’ll walk to the car with me and get in without any prompting. Yet, I usually get to my destination and remember I forgot the leash.

    It’s for this reason I started keeping a leash in the car.

    Also, she may have just said, “F… the leash”. There are so many people standing around it might distract the dog and she figured it was best to have more control then with the leash.

  31. Chickie Baby says:

    NO! There is NEVER a good reason for a choke chain—the one who should be dragged around wearing one is the owner of the dog.

    There are so many better, more constructive, more HUMANE ways to manage a dog. They should go through proper training (both dog and owner) to learn what is acceptable behavior and what is not (for both parties involved).

    Sorry, Eva—you are on my boycott list. Won’t be seeing your movies any more.

  32. Auntie Git says:

    Maybe she accidentally left the leash in the car during one stop. If paps were as intrusive in MY life, I would probably bring my big-a** dog out too!

  33. heather says:

    That dog should be taken away from her. End of story. If you are too lazy to train your dog properly and humanely, you shouldn’t have it in the first place.

    • Mar1ey says:

      It is trained, good grief, it is a few misleading photos. You can’t have a dog like that and NOT have it properly trained!

  34. amurph says:

    I thought LA had really strict leash laws, I’ve even seen the tiniest dogs (so tiny, my friend squealed) on leashes, especially in public places. Even if the dog was the most well-behaved creature on the planet, you never know. And it looks like she’s taking the dog shopping with her, which is just plain odd.

  35. Anonny says:

    The headline’s provocatively misleading.

    (1) it’s not a choke collar
    (2) it’s not a puppy

  36. Blueflie says:

    I’ll let her lead me around like that with a choke collar…… HOT!

  37. Mar1ey says:

    She got her dog Hugo after she had problems with a dangerous stalker and wanted additional protection. In every photo posted of her and her dog, he is on a leash. These are the first photos where he is not. She went out of the building and straight to her car, where photogs were everywhere. I don’t blame her for holding on to the dog, I would as well.

    • sal says:

      i think you are missing the point that myself and others are trying to make, so stop responding.

    • Missy says:

      First time? Try ever time she takes that dog out its not on a lead, a couple of months ago it ran off out of a supermarket parking lot and people had to help her wrangle it back( and she didnt look thankful for their help either, rude b*tch)
      This dog is not a pet, it’s aggressive attack trained to kill dog, it should not EVER be aloud to wonder around, this woman is an irresponsible moron, trying to use this dog as some interesting prop for a staged photo-op.

  38. Amanda says:

    She should have a leash on the dog. You should not handle a dog like that. She is choking the dog. I bet she wouldn’t like that done to her. Animal abuse if you ask me.

  39. janie says:

    if you want a dog, keep it on your property. in no way do they belong in public places like stores and restaurants. i know many people who are allergic, and they should not have to deal with that.
    what is totally inappropriate is that dog is in a public place. it could eat a small child.

    • Lol says:

      He could Eat a small child?? Really??

      • Marie Antoinette Jr. says:

        LOL is right!
        OMG, yeah, like that dog could “eat” a child. Too funny.
        (Maybe he’s actually the big bad wolf in disguise!) (where’s she hiding the old granny costume?)

      • Original N says:

        LOL @ “Where is she hiding the old granny costume” – She is not hiding it….she wears it every time she schedules a photo op! Haven’t you noticed 😉

    • Vesper says:

      A dog needs to be exposed to as many different environments as possible so that s/he is socialized. Socializing a dog is just as important as behavioural (obedience) training. Not socializing your dog is asking for trouble down the road.

    • Vesper says:

      Encountering a dog for a few seconds is not enough time to cause an allergic reaction. Besides, if u have a dog u will have dog hair on ur clothing, which means someone who is standing or sitting close to u is unknowingly being exposed.

      So what happens when someone comes across a seeing eye dog, or any other dog that has been trained to deal with disabilities – deafness, seizures, anxiety attacks, PTSD – the list is long. How about therapy dogs that visit nursing homes. Do u really think a nursing home is going to quiz each and every resident as to whether they have a dog allergy?

      Many people have allergies to perfume. Do u wear perfume or use perfumed beauty products before u go out in public? Many people are also allergic to ragweed. Have u ensured there is no ragweed on your property in case your neighbour or vistor has a reaction? What about people who are allergic to cigarette smoke?

      Yes, I know it sounds ridiculous, but not more so than suggesting people can’t take their dog(s) out in public because of potential allergies. If I was in the proximity of a person with a dog allergy, I would expect them to let me know, and in response I would leave the store.

      • Jo 'Mama' Besser says:

        ‘Do u really think a nursing home is going to quiz each and every resident as to whether they have a dog allergy?’

        The one where I worked did. It’s not exactly therapeutic if it’s making you sick. They didn’t assume anything there or at the facility where my mother works. So many inoculations. They have myriad ways to make people crazy, but they’re good at covering their butts and looking out for their own.

        You can’t anticipate every person’s health triggers, but you can’t very well dismiss them once you’ve made aware, either. Yes, lots of things can make people sick but the burden of proof isn’t on the person in discomfort to convince the other person that they’re not just being hyperbolic or peevish. Sure, some are but what’s that to do with people who aren’t?

        I say, as long as the person with the allergies remains civil, it’s not really a person’s place to cast aspersions on the validity of the person’s condition because just as a lot people can be hypochondriac pills, there are also a lot of pet owners who completely lose perspective when it comes to their own animal and both types can be extremely tedious.

      • janie says:

        how often do you encounter a guide dog? rarely.

        however, i was in a store where there were 4 dogs, none of them having to do with therapy. one tiny store. and dander gets everywhere. allergies are not the only reason anyway. some people are scared of dogs. there are appropriate places to bring an animal.

        i don’t see why it is a federal case that the decision to have an animal should not be imposed on other people.i have a dog, but i don’t feel the need to drag her everywhere. if it needs to be socialized, take it to a dog park.

  40. TXCinderella says:

    Her fashion style is definitely 70’s. This is a woman with a great bod and nice curves yet she dresses too old for her age. She needs a fashion intervention. Wait…I hear What Not To Wear calling her name.

  41. PrettyTarheel says:

    This isn’t cruelty. This is controlling a young, large dog in an excitable situation by keeping him close to your body. It’s preemptive. When I walk my parents 100 lb Doberman through a throng of people, I have a firm grip with my left hand, close to his collar, and keep him very close to my left leg. I don’t want him in front of me(pack psychology 101), I want him glued to my leg and focused on me. She quite possibly has a short leash in her hand that’s gripped with the collar.

    Should she have left him at home? Absolutely. Why put a young dog in those circumstances if he’s not ready, except for you needing a photo op? But this isn’t cruel-she understands her dog’s limitations and behavior, and is taking action to ensure she maintains control.

    • Oi says:

      Agree completely. My parents have a 70 (maybe more) lbs, one year old black lab-Australian Shepard mix who is an alpha to boot. An occasional choke hold on his collar is the only way to train him. He would hurt himself, someone else or another dog without it. Not cruel, just the only way to get control and remind the pup that you are in control here.

      But yes, she should have left him at home in this case.

    • Vesper says:

      It is easier to train a dog to “heel” so they will walk directly beside u, than it is to reach down and drag them by the collar.

  42. Ellelake says:

    She’s training her puppy to focus on her in a crowd.

  43. sharylmj says:

    There is nothing wrong with the way she’s controlling her dog, there is something wrong about taking your large dog shopping in the city!! I bet this was an unexpected stop and she didn’t have a leash and she couldn’t leave him in the car.

  44. Jo 'Mama' Besser says:

    Leave your dog at home, I can’t breathe.

    I know it’s in vogue to declare animals to be inherently more noble than humans so to hell with anyone who takes exception to Rex’s presence because that’s what you get for be a terrible human but I don’t feel like getting the inflamed conjunctiva, hives, itchy skin and blocked airways delivered to me via your best friend. I’m not going to make a scene about the evils of dog ownership or anything, but I’m not going to apologize for my puffer. I don’t hate dogs. I’m tiny, so I enjoy tiny dogs but I do hate when I’m considered to have failed at justifying my existence to that certain type of owner because I can’t frolic in the dander. I need a cool shower, not commentary. My eyes aren’t swelling shut to be spiteful, but I’m not going to be in the best mood if I end up spending a few hours in emergency waiting to get things drained. It’s a tedious and icky experience–so gross. I’m not talking about shared public spaces like a park or a sidewalk etc., where allergic reactions are just part of the day’s landscape because those places are meant for everyone/everything, I understand how it works and I arm myself with medication–easy peasy. It’s when some owners seem to forget that their pets aren’t people and let them run amok in spaces that are specifically not meant for animals. How did you even manage to sneak Fido into the library stacks? Rather than harp on the cruel souls of people who can’t breathe when your pet is in the vicinity, perhaps consider that maybe it isn’t about them being a killjoy for its own sake, and embrace the notion that maybe there are just times when people shouldn’t have to be honoured with the experience of dumping half a bottle of Benadryl down their throats because you had to take your pet shopping in the people market. Breathing is fundamental, conjunctivitus is GROSS, slow to heal and makes you shakier than eight bitches on a bitch boat where depth perception is concerned. There is no such thing as ‘Pirate Chic’.

    This is one of the things I don’t like about Toronto, you can take your pets ANYWHERE and so help you God if you so much as sneeze when there’s a Great Dane (seriously) rifling through the produce at the supermarket because having allergies means you’re Satan, you know. Who’s the crazy dude with the 12 (admittedly adorable) Yorkies that he carts about in that shopping cart on the Yonge-Unniversity-Spadina line?

    It doesn’t make a whole lot of sense for people to have to let themselves get sick in order to prove their niceness to people who clearly aren’t interested in considering their discomfort. I’m not in your house, man.

    • Marie Antoinette Jr. says:

      You would HATE Paris! Not only are there dogs in every restaurant; the poop is everywhere.
      I own and love dogs but they’re one of the main reasons I won’t willingly go back to France again. (Well not the dogs but the culture that allows them EVERYWHERE) Didn’t know Toronto was the same way…thanks for the info.

      • Jo 'Mama' Besser says:

        Oh, I’ll find a way to see that city someday, I’ll just be drugged to the tits. My hometown is neither a sprawling metropolis, nor is it a sleepy hamlet so pets were barred from entering a lot of public establishments and public transportation (save seeing eye dogs, or small pets kept in a kennel on the lap), so it was a bit of a culture shock to see a dude riding his bike with his golden retriever keeping pace during my first grocery shopping excursion in my new town.

        You can’t fake a rash, so dog owners, please understand it’s not about hating pets, it’s about defending our ear, nose and throat pavilions–THEY hate pets. I’m not a type to cause a scene, nor is anyone who I know who has the same kind of allergies interested in doing so, it’s about compromises, right? But it really is appreciated when people are mindful of trying to lessen discomfort if it’s realistic for the situation.

  45. Andria says:

    If I had a stalker who thought I would die for him show up at my doorstep, I might be tempted to bring a large dog with me too.

    I don’t have any opinions on Mendes, but I’m a dog owner/lover and I don’t see anything terrible about those pictures.

  46. Sean says:

    Needs a leash and more training. And don’t bring the damn dog shopping with you!

    Beautiful dog however.

    • Fabgrrl says:

      Ug. I hate dogs, especially big ones. If you want a big dog, fine. But not everyone loves those horrid beasts.

  47. LittleDeadGirl says:

    Use a leash with a regular collar, harness, or gentle leader. Anything else isn’t appropriate for a dog. People often think it’s cruel to use a shock collar on a small dog but think nothing of it on using it on a big dog. I can’t tell you how many large breed dogs we get at my clinic who had huge burn marks on their necks from the damned things. Big dogs feel pain pain the same way small ones do.

  48. Marianne says:

    I can understand if the dog got loose, but if you’re purposefully bringing them out..bring a leash.

    Unless her leash broke. Still with her money and fame, she probably could have gotten delivered to her.

  49. eric says:

    Someone should put a shock collar on her to see what it feels like, the dog needs a harness and a standard leash.

  50. SlightlyPeeved says:

    Our dog was an English Mastiff and we never used a choke collar on her. We were very strict about never feeding the dog from the table because she could rest her chin on it. Had to duck her head to walk under the dining table and her back almost scraped the underside. For most of her life, she was relatively “slim”, even for a female: only about 175 lbs. My 5’2″, 110 lb daughter could walk our dog using a regular leash because the dog responded well to my girl’s commands. Of course, English mastiffs (unlike bull mastiffs) are very gentle and due to their size (males can weigh up to 200 lbs), not that interested in running around. That and a bit lazy as well.

    • Sean says:

      They may seem lazy, but let someone try to harm that 110 lb daughter. Mastiffs are very protective of their humans.

      • SlightlyPeeved says:

        Yes, mastiffs are protective and they love their family. They have one interesting quirk regarding intruders though. They will let someone in, but they won’t let them out. Nobody moves when a mastiff stands in front of them growling. But they are not dangerous dogs.

  51. Sara says:

    Awww, you shouldn’t hit dogs.

    They respond a lot better to positive reinforcement anyway. And they won’t flinch when you go to pet them.

  52. Fabgrrl says:

    I hate dogs, especially big ones. If you want a big dog, fine. But not everyone loves those horrid beasts.

  53. iris says:

    That dog is not a puppy, she’s had it for years. She just doesn’t know how to handle it properly or humanely. The woman is a twit. If this is an attack dog, it should be on a leash. What she is doing is very stupid.

  54. JoJo says:

    Ugh. This whole conversation is disturbing. A thump on the nose? Choke collars? Electric collars? Dominance-based methods like these are out. This is why Caesar Milan has taken so much flack (and his show has been canceled), but the masses unfortunately don’t know better than to believe the answer to an aggressive dog is to kick it in the side and hang it up off the ground from it’s collar. Even if the dog appears to stop the aggressive behavior, that is typically associated with fear and repression and the aggression will surface again. This is the reason people like Victoria Stillwell have gained ground – she has been a vocal critic of Caesar and his inhumane ways. Most trainers and behaviorists today do not advocate dominance-based training methods (like Caesar’s) and in fact most don’t believe the majority of dog behavior issues are even based on dominance at all. Nearly all (except k-9 police trainers?) now instead promote positive reinforcement methods and techniques, similar to Victoria Stillwell.

  55. Yo says:

    Holy cow, jump to conclusions much all?
    Have none of you ever had to make an unexpected stop while running errands? Maybe she was on her way home from a friends place and had to stop somewhere and didn’t have a leash.
    I’m a dog lover and, given the 10 zillion people hovering around her, I am perfectly fine with how she handled her pup.

    • Liv says:

      There are so many pictures where she uses a shock collar instead of a leash – just google it.

      I don’t think she handles the dog well, he’s obviously afraid.

      Shock collars are not for every-day-training, they are for difficult dogs and certain people, who have knowledge. One must be unbelievably correct when using it, otherwise the dog doesn’t understand you and is confused and insecure.

  56. DrM says:

    I feel sorry for the dog. Choke collars are unnecessary and unkind, shock collars are cruel, plain and simple. I have two greyhounds, who weigh more than 50 and 65 pounds respectively. I don’t hit them, ever, and I don’t use any kind of hard collar. Both my dogs are well behaved and obedient. If someone cannot handle their dog without resorting to hitting, or using a hard collar they should not have that particular dog. The dog looks like it is being yanked along up on its tippie toes…which isn’t comfortable. Not good..

  57. I wonder if she is still using the shock collar on her great dane puppies or if she took it off of them. Any picture I have seen with this dog she has this collar on him and it does look afraid.